Brian Robinson Jr. is five weeks and one game into his NFL career and already has been through more turmoil than most players go through in their entire life. He is giving us a reason to cheer for a truly inspiring comeback.
Brian Robinson was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders. He was selected with the 98th overall pick. Robinson spent his college career as a member of the vaunted Alabama Crimson Tide, winning CFP National Championships in 2017 and 2020; capping it off with an MVP award in the 2021 Cotton Bowl.
Before training camp started it was unsure exactly what role the rookie would have in the Commanders offense; finding himself behind Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic on the running back depth chart.
By the midway point of the preseason it was evident that Robinson Jr. had earned the job as the Commanders lead back and it wasn’t particularly close.
The Preseason Takes a Tragic Turn
On August 28th, Brian Robinson Jr. was leaving a Washington D.C. restaurant when he fell victim to an attempted carjacking. He was shot twice, once in the right knee and once in the right glute. Luckily he suffered no structural damage and was not expected to feel any permanent effects.
Brian Robinson Jr. was taken to a Washington hospital for treatment and surgery. He was released the following day and was expected to be healthy following a brief recovery.
On August 30th, Robinson Jr. was placed on the injured reserve indicating he would miss a minimum of four games, if not more.
A mere four weeks later and Robinson Jr. would see himself activated from the injured reserve by the Commanders. To the surprise of many, he would immediately resume practicing with the team and find himself in the lineup for the Commanders Week 5 contest against the Tennessee Titans.
A Triumphant Return
Week 5 would see the debut of the feel good story of the season. He would take the field in triumphant fashion being introduced by himself and coming out of the tunnel solo to a raucous crowd. The Legend of Brian Robinson Jr. was beginning.
The Titans however, had other things to say about it. They spoiled the emotional return by sneaking out with a 21-17 win.
Robinson Jr. would see his fair share of the workload, though. He would tally 9 carries for 22 yards as compared to 3 carries for 6 yards racked up by Antonio Gibson.
It’s clear that the Commanders see Robinson Jr. as their running back of the future. It’s only a matter of time before he truly breaks out and becomes an elite talent.
